§ 19. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the present level of imports of agricultural products into this country; and whether he will review his policy on this subject.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesI have repeatedly emphasised the value I attach to agriculture's import-saving rôle. The expansion programme I outlined on 12th November sets out a realistic import saving programme for the industry, based on the report of the Economic Development Committee for Agriculture. I do not consider that any further policy review is called for.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithDoes the Minister think there is now a case for taking a much harder look at milk product imports? Could he say what general discussions he is having in this whole sphere?
§ Mr. HughesI do not agree that a further review is called for. As I said in reply to an earlier supplementary question, one has to have regard to the situation in milk product surpluses throughout the world in developed countries today. We are looking at this very carefully indeed. As the hon. Gentleman knows, we meet our own demand for milk liquid consumption; we have quotas for butter, and are taking the action which I have described with cheese. But I would agree that this is a matter which must be kept constantly under review.
§ Mr. StodartCan the Minister say whether or not it is the case that, in the 471 discussions which he has been having with the National Farmers' Union, he has advised the union that, if we are to restrict imports, farmers must restrict home production, and that they have strongly rejected this advice?
§ Mr. HughesI have said no such thing to the leaders of the farming industry.